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Fine Massachusetts Arms Percussion Pocket Revolver with Exceptional Ivory Grips

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:1,600.00 - 2,500.00 USD
Fine Massachusetts Arms Percussion Pocket Revolver with Exceptional Ivory Grips
Marked "MASS. ARMS CO./ CHICOPEE FALLS" on the top strap, "MAYNARD'S PATENT/ SEP. 22. 1845" on the primer cover and "PATENT / JAN. 2, 1855" on the backstrap. The serial is on the frame under the primer cover, on the frame under the grips and hand written on the inside of each grip panel. The inside of the top strap is marked "696". Produced between 1851 and 1860. This revolver is the later type which has a larger frame and automatic revolving cylinder (trigger actuated). Brass pin front sight and notch rear sight on the top strap. The barrel and top strap are hinged for easy removal of the cylinder. The 6-round unfluted cylinder is florally etched, and the frame, primer door and backstrap are scroll engraved with a zigzag border and marked "PATENT / JAN. 2, 1855" on the backstrap. Total production on this type was about 1,500 to 2,000. There is a roll of priming tape in the primer. Fitted with smooth two piece ivory grips.
BBL: 3 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 28
Finish: blue
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 373


Fine. The barrel latch retains most of the original bright blue finish. The barrel retains approximately 20% original bright thinning finish mixed with smooth mottled gray patina. There is strong original blue finish on the trigger guard. The frame shows strong original blue in the protected area around the hammer. The hammer and top strap retain much of the original vivid case colors. The cylinder etching is very fine, mostly intact, the balance of the metal has a smooth gray patina. The grips are excellent despite having shrunk a bit over the years, and now have a pleasant mellow caramel patina with light handling marks.